Before Proton launch the latest X70, Proton actually invited us media to their test track and to test out the changes that Proton has done to the X70. The main enhancement that Proton has done to the latest X70 is the upgrade in its engine. It is now running the latest 1.5L i-GT engine that was 1^st seen in the Proton X50.

For a quick recap, this new engine is now a 4 cylinder engine, which is totally different from the 3 pot engine that Proton uses in the X70 previously. This new engine now produces 181 PS and 290 Nm, and Proton promised cheaper running cost and much better fuel consumption. Alongside the updated engine, Proton engineers also recalibrated the ride and handling of the X70 to make it suit the new engine, yet providing a sporty enough handling characteristic.

While in Proton test track we can’t test much, but we still get to experience some rather noticeable changes that the X70 received. So for our test drive, we are split into 3 different groups to test the X70 on the different courses that was setup by the instructors. For my 1^st activity, I was invited to test the improved NVH levels on the oval circuit. From the get go, the engine actually feel much quieter than before. And when I took the SUV up to our national speed limit, the whole cabin actually feel quite calm. But because the test track is relatively quiet, so for real world test, will have to wait for the media car to test.

Next up, I have the chance to test the acceleration of the new X70. With this new engine, the vibration in the cabin when you rev it when not in gear. As for the acceleration, the average acceleration that most people get is about 10 seconds from 0-100 km/h. This is quite acceptable for a SUV of this size and at this price point. So far, during the acceleration, the gear change is also very smooth. But starting from 0, there’s still a very small lag between when stepping on throttle and the vehicle get going. But I have to say, its much improved from the old powertrain.

After the acceleration test, I get to try the new X70 on a slalom test. This test is to showcase the enhancement that Proton did to the suspension to cope with the new engine. Apart from the suspension, Proton also tune the steering ratio to make the vehicle slightly sportier. During my short test period, the vehicle is very well kept in control. The steering felt direct, which help me to precisely place the vehicle at where I want it to be. The tuned suspension also manage to keep the vehicle as stable as possible.

With all these enhancement, the X70 do became a much better vehicle than before. All the changes make the driving experience even better. I thought Proton would make more enhancement on the interior, but I guess they’ll just leave that to the next update. As of now, these new changes are welcome changes to make it worth your time to check it out. To find out more, you can head to your nearest Proton showroom to give it a test drive.